The presence of lead in cinnamon has recently emerged as a significant food safety concern. This toxic element, when consumed in large amounts, can lead to serious health issues, including neurological damage and developmental delays in children. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the discovery of elevated lead levels in…

Not only does she hold the title of "World's Best Bartender" she's also has created a loyal following on TikTok and Instagram helping cocktail enthusiasts around the world make great tasting drinks. We sit down with Kaitlyn of @likeablecocktails (who also happens to be very likeable herself).

The recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows has taken the agricultural sector by surprise. This development, announced earlier this week, introduces a significant twist in the ongoing saga of the H5N1 virus, which has been affecting birds globally and in the US since early 2022. In this episode of the Xtalks Food …

Keurig has taken a bold step forward with the unveiling of its first-ever 100 percent compostable coffee pods, dubbed “K-Rounds.” This innovation not only marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward sustainability but also addresses the longstanding issue of plastic waste from traditional coffee pods. In this episode of the Xtalks…

In recent years, the food industry has faced growing scrutiny over its environmental impact, particularly concerning the use of plastic packaging. This scrutiny has sparked significant interest and investment in alternative packaging solutions, with edible food packaging emerging as a particularly innovative and sustainable option. In this episode …

The Kraft Heinz Company made waves in the food industry by introducing vegan hot dogs and sausages under its well-known Oscar Mayer brand. This significant move marks the brand’s first foray into the plant-based arena with its NotHotDogs and NotSausages. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the new offerings, which were de…

March marks National Nutrition Month 2024 — a time when the food industry, health professionals and communities across the globe unite to emphasize the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the history of National Nutrition …

One of the OG cocktail creators, Miguel Buencamino of @holycityhandcraft shares what his journey has looked like and gives creators tips on how best to help their page grow.

In a pivotal move for the food industry, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has unveiled industry guidance for genome edited foods derived from plants. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about gene edited foods and how this landmark guidance aims to demystify the FDA’s risk-based approach towards both genome edited food…

Each year, Product of the Year USA shines a spotlight on the most innovative products across various industries. The food and beverage sectors are particularly dynamic, with consumers always on the lookout for novel and healthier options. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the food and beverage products that stood out fo…

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Chad Pawlak, CEO of Genvor, a developer of sustainable plant health solutions. Recently appointed CEO, Pawlak discussed his vision for Genvor under his leadership, specifically in the context of sustainability. He highlighted Genvor’s recent partnership with the US Department o…

Katie Kelly of @bitsbitesblog shares how she’s grown her cocktail page and how Sunday family dinner has inspired new recipes and a passion for food and beverage. We hear her tips for creating mouth-watering cocktail content and talk about her take on beverage trends - enter the martini.

The Good Food Prescription program, designed to combat diet-related conditions, combines expert clinical coaching, personalized meal planning and medically tailored grocery deliveries in partnership with Instacart. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about this program from Good Measures, a company founded with a vision to revo…

A groundbreaking piece of legislation, the School Lunch Integrity Act of 2024, has been introduced by US Senators Mike Rounds and Jon Tester. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about this proposed bill, which specifically aims to exclude lab-grown meat from the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, thereb…

Whether its a whiskey advent calendar or a special bottle you can't find nearby, Flaviar has been offering spirits drinkers a way to taste new brands from the comfort of their home. We talk with Alex Conison, VP of Marketing at Flaviar, on whiskey trends and how the brand leverages affiliate marketing to get the word out about its offerings.…

Steakholder Foods marks a pivotal moment in the seafood industry with its latest innovation: 3D printed fish in the form of plant-based shrimp. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about this breakthrough, which is set to transform the $60 billion shrimp market. Steakholder Foods has leveraged its unique DropJet printer, a marve…

As we step into 2024, the food industry is poised to be at the cusp of transformative changes, shaped by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top food industry trends to look out for in 2024. She interviewed Are Traasdah…

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Eric Taipale, CTO of Sentera, a global technology leader for in-season data, analytics and insights for growers. Taipale discussed how Sentera's technology specifically caters to the needs of growers and the agricultural community. He shared the benefits that generative AI prov…

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with Norma Chu, founder and CEO of DayDayCook, a multi-brand company on a mission to promote Asian cooking globally. Over her 12-year journey at DayDayCook, Chu has implemented several successful brand strategies to reach global audiences, introduced an exclusive product line and used so…

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with Pat McCullough, CEO of ProducePay, a startup transforming the global produce industry into a more connected and sustainable movement. McCullough talks about his role at ProducePay as well as its startup story. He also shares his 2024 predictions for the food industry, focusing on bl…

In the US, the regulation of food products, including the ban on certain items, falls primarily under the jurisdiction of two key agencies: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top 10 foods banned in the US and why. The list includes…

Despite technological advancements in food safety in recent years, 2023 has been marked by some alarming food safety scandals globally, impacting public health and trust in the food industry. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the worst food safety scandals of 2023 and sheds light on the causes and consequences of these …

Air Up, a revolutionary water bottle company, emerged from a unique academic project and rapidly transformed the way we perceive and consume water. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the Munich-based startup, which began as a university project in 2016, combining neuroscience and design. It’s the first hydration system t…

Our dietary choices have a significant environmental impact, with agriculture accounting for almost 30 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top 10 worst foods for the environment, starting with beef. Raising cattle for beef is highly resource-intensive, requiring sig…

In recent times, fried rice syndrome has become a trending concern, especially after a TikTok video highlighted a tragic incident from 2008 involving a 20-year-old student. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about fried rice syndrome, which refers to food poisoning caused by a bacterium called Bacillus cereus. It poses a signi…

There’s riches and niches. Sammy found his when he started sharing bartending tips online at @ServedBySammy. Hear about his journey as a cocktail creator on our latest episode.

As weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic continue to gain traction across the US, Americans could potentially reduce their purchases of high-calorie snacks and fast-food. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about how these weight loss drugs work and how the food industry has slowly but surely become aware of the potential i…

Boo Buckets have always been synonymous with Halloween festivities at McDonald’s, embodying a tradition that many look forward to as October rolls around, but what are they? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about these ghost-themed pails and the various iterations since they debuted 1986. McDonald’s introduced a whimsical tw…

In today’s smart-tech era, the chicken coop might not be the first item one would consider in need of an upgrade. Yet, an Austin, Texas-based startup called Coop is revolutionizing this concept, launching its $2,000 smart chicken coop to enthusiastic “early bird” customers. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about how Coop is …

With its rich nutritional profile and palate-pleasing texture, yellow pea pasta is becoming the preferred alternative to traditional pastas. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about ZENB, which recognized the potential of yellow pea pasta and has been pivotal in popularizing this ingredient. The brand’s commitment to sustainab…

Many Americans might be surprised to discover that there’s a long list of foods banned in Europe. This is because the US has more lenient food ingredient regulations thanks to US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) designation. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about five ingredients tha…

What started with a trip to a tiki bar has turned into a passion for rum unmatched by few. We sit down with rum influencer Bryan Inman (@therumchampion) who has turned his rum obsession into a thriving online community in under a year. From his recent rum curious club events to his online rum lover community Bryan is just getting his journey starte…

Recent initial public offerings (IPOs) from food companies such as Cava Group and BranchOut Food might give the impression of a reawakening IPO market after a seemingly quiet year. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about three food companies that have already gone public this year, including Cava Group, BranchOut Foods and In…

Gatorade, a brand synonymous with vibrantly-colored sports drinks, has made a surprising move with its latest offering: Gatorade Water, a clear, unflavored beverage. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the new offering, which unlike its colorful predecessors, focuses entirely on the booming “functional water” market, proj…

As PepsiCo, Inc. positions itself at the forefront of digital advancements, the company recently declared its intention to purchase $175 million of Instacart’s Series A preferred convertible stock. This pivotal move was revealed alongside Instacart’s Form S-1 filed on August 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), indicating plans for…

In honor of Bourbon Heritage Month we sit down with Master Blender Jackie Zykan who went from blending whiskey to blending fragrances with the launch of ODUOAK. She shares her journey from Old Forester to Hidden Barn and beyond.

For a significant portion of the world’s population, baking is punctuated by the pain and discomfort of food intolerances. Lactose stands out as a particularly pesky ingredient in this regard. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about Intoleran, a beacon of hope for those troubled by lactose. The Dutch brand, founded by Harmen …

ModifyHealth, a leader in the burgeoning food as medicine industry, recently released four new meal plan offerings catering to a variety of dietary needs in the US. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about these new plans, which were introduced in response to the increasing demand from consumers managing specific medical condi…

Dunkin’, America’s largest coffee and donut chain, announced the launch of Dunkin’ Spiked Iced Coffees and Iced Teas. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the two boozy beverages, which are set to roll out in early September. Dunkin’ is entering a crowded market segment with the launch of Dunkin’ Spiked, a reflection of th…

Olli Salumeria, known for its high-quality, artisanal salami, recently launched the first preservative-free salami in the North American market. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney interviews Marco Terenghi, chief commercial officer at Olli Salumeria, to find out more about the company’s mission, history and innovative products. Marc…

The Trader Joe’s recall situation has garnered significant attention in the past few weeks, as the popular retail chain declared three different product recalls during the last week of July. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the details of the recall, which has raised some eyebrows with food safety. Trader Joe’s, in a s…

NYC-Based Aly Walansky has a pretty cool job - food, travel and spirits freelance writer for national publications. She shares what it's like being a journalist today, tips for PR pros (don't video call at midnight) and what city she thinks is underrated - we're looking at you Kansas City.

Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stood by its decision, denying a petition asking it to reevaluate the use of eight ortho-phthalates in food-contacting packaging materials. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the public petition, which was put forward by EarthJustice, a non-profit organization advocat…

Ever After Foods, an innovative food tech company based in Haifa, Israel, recently unveiled its groundbreaking bioreactor system designed for producing cultivated meat. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney interviews Eyal Rosenthal, CEO of Ever After Foods, to find out more about the company and the future of cultivated meat. Eyal dis…

Prime Energy drink, a popular beverage created by prominent YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul, is facing scrutiny as US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls for regulators to investigate its marketing tactics. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about concerns that have been raised regarding the high caffeine content of the dr…

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released new guidelines that emphasized the critical role that marketers must play in safeguarding children’s health. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about these new guidelines, which underscored the need for tighter regulations to protect children from the adverse effects of foo…

From high-end cocktail bars in Berlin to covering whiskey from Kentucky, Uproxx Editor Zach Johnston (@ztpwhiskey) has seen the whiskey landscape change over the years. We talk with Zach about his take on what makes a good brand story, limited releases and the world of bourbon influencers.

Oterra, the leading global supplier of naturally derived colors, recently unveiled innovative red and pink color blends specifically designed for plant-based meat and seafood alternatives. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about these new offerings, that allow manufacturers to create customized hues for a wide range of plant-…

Ransomware attacks targeting the food industry have become increasingly prevalent and damaging over the past few years. Between 2018 and May 2023, there have been 157 confirmed ransomware attacks on the food, beverage and agriculture industries. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top five most significant ransomware …

The Rethink Plastic alliance, in collaboration with a coalition of 81 organizations, is advocating for the integration of effective reuse systems into the European Union’s (EU’s) Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. This push aims to mitigate waste produced by single-use plastic takeaway packaging. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, S…